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Pretty Flowering Cherry Trees for Your Garden

Japanese Flowering Cherries, Sakura, Cherry Blossom

Japanese Flowering Cherries, Flowering Cherries,Japanese Flowering Cherries, Sakura, Cherry Blossom,  Higan cherry,Yoshino Cherry, Fuji cherry

Among the most popular and spectacular spring-flowering trees, flowering cherries with their frothy masses of pink or white blossoms, usually signal the end of winter and reveal the first blush of spring. These ornamental cherry trees are not grown for edible fruit. While some produce purple-black pea-size fruits, they are inedible and appeal only to a wide variety of birds, including robins, cardinals, and waxwings.

Although ornamental cherry trees are typically planted for the majestic yet delicate beauty of their flowers, many varieties are noted for their multi-season interest. Some display wonderful fall colors, with their foliage turning brilliant shades of gold, red, or orange. Others feature fascinating bark, exfoliating, peeling, or shining like silk, adding a welcomed splash of color in the winter garden.

The cherry blossom (sakura) is Japan’s unofficial national flower. Celebrated for centuries, it is esteemed as the most beautiful and important of flowers in Japanese culture. In spring, during the blossom-viewing season called Hanami, flowering cherries are celebrated with huge festivals, parties, and family picnics wherever the cherries grow.

The term “flowering cherry” refers to seven species of Prunus (Prunus campanulata, P. incisa, P. jamasakura, P. serrulata, P. sargentii, P. spachiana (syn. subhirtella), and P. speciosa) and their cultivars. These flowering cherries come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and several are excellent additions to the garden. All are incredibly beautiful.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 9
Plant Type Trees
Genus Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height
Spread
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Pretty Flowering Cherry Trees for Your Garden

Growing a Flowering Cherry Tree

Flowering cherry trees do well in most gardens, and their care requirements are minimal. There are a few things to bear in mind, though, before purchasing a flowering cherry tree:

  • Flowering cherries require full sun and good air circulation. Therefore, it is important to plant your tree in a spot that is not too shady or crowded. Ensure the mature height and spread of the tree you wish to purchase will fit your intended area.
  • Flowering cherries require moist, relatively fertile, well-drained soil. They are easy to grow and not fussy, although they dislike poorly drained soil and will not tolerate boggy conditions. They should be watered thoroughly after planting and until the tree is well-established.
  • Flowering cherries grow best if left alone, so it is best to avoid pruning aside from removing dead, diseased, or damaged growth. If you need to shape your tree, do so after flowering in early summer because there are fewer diseases, and you won’t remove the flower buds.
  • Flowering cherries are susceptible to insect and fungal disease problems. Regular pruning to thin out branches and allow for better air and light circulation will help keep your tree healthy. Watch for caterpillars, leaf-mining moths, bullfinches, silver leaf, bacterial canker, and blossom wilt.
  • The best time to plant is in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed, or in early fall, allowing plenty of time for roots to establish before the first freeze.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the trees after planting.

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Which Flowering Cherry Tree for my Garden?
Favorite Weeping Cherry Trees for Your Garden
Flowering Cherry Trees with Attractive Fall Colors
Fragrant Flowering Cherry Trees for Your Garden
Blooming Seasons of Flowering Cherry Trees
Prunus x yedoensis (Yoshino Cherry Tree)
Prunus serrulata (Japanese Flowering Cherry)
Prunus x subhirtella (Higan Cherry)
Prunus pendula (Weeping Cherry)
Compare All Prunus (Cherry Tree)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Prunus (Cherry Tree)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 9
Plant Type Trees
Genus Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height
Spread
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Prunus (Cherry Tree)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Prunus (Cherry Tree)

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